Highway Patrol withdraws power to issue driving licenses

LAHORE: The Punjab government has withdrawn the powers to issue several driving licenses from the Highway Patrol following complaints of corruption and irregularities.

The powers to issue driving licenses from the Punjab Highway Patrol (PHP) have been significantly reduced. According to the notification issued, now the Punjab Highway Patrol will only be able to issue motorcycle licenses, while the power to issue licenses for motor cars, jeeps, tractors and other vehicles has been withdrawn.

This decision has been issued by the Additional IG, Punjab Highway Patrol, the main reason for which has been given due to increasing complaints of corruption and irregularities. According to officials, this step has become necessary to ensure transparency.

It may be recalled that the Punjab Police had given the powers to issue driving licenses to the PHP through a notification in September 2023.

The aim of this move was to provide convenience to the citizens and reduce the pressure on the traffic police offices so that people traveling on the highways can get convenience on the spot.

At that time, the Punjab Highway Patrol was allowed to issue various types of licenses under the Motor Vehicle Ordinance, including cars, jeeps and motorcycles, but after the recent decision, this jurisdiction has been limited.

Now, citizens will have to again refer to the Traffic Police Driving License System (DLIMS) for licenses for commercial and other large vehicles, while the PHP facility for motorcycle licenses is still in place.